In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, many people in NSW are facing severe power outages and financial hardships. The good news is that both the state and federal governments are offering financial support to help those affected get back on their feet. If you’ve been impacted by the cyclone, here’s a breakdown of the recovery payments and assistance available.
Disaster Recovery Allowance
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced that the Australian government is providing one-off Centrelink payments to help people who’ve been severely impacted by the cyclone. These payments are available for adults and children in affected areas, including those who have been injured, lost a loved one or had their home damaged by the cyclone. The payments are:
- $1,000 for adults
- $400 for children
If the cyclone has left you unable to work, you can also apply for the Disaster Recovery Allowance. This provides financial support for up to 13 weeks to help cover your living expenses while you recover. Whether you’ve lost your job or are unable to return to work due to injury or property damage, this payment is designed to help you through the next few months.
These payments will be available starting 2:00 PM AEDT on Tuesday March 11. To apply, you can visit myGov, where you can check if you’re eligible and submit your application.
Community Recovery Support Fund
In addition to individual support, both the state and federal governments have created the $15 million Community Recovery Support Fund to help councils restore important community services. This fund will help repair and reopen community centres, preschools, libraries and other local facilities that were damaged by the cyclone.
Additional Help
Along with the Centrelink payments, there are a couple of other ways you can access help:
- Queensland Emergency Hardship Assistance Grant to help people affected by a disaster to get medical supplies, clothing, food and temporary accommodation.
- NAB Disaster Relief Grants for Customers of NAB who’ve been affected by the cyclone can apply for a $1,000 disaster relief grant to help cover immediate costs and aid recovery.
If you’ve been impacted by Cyclone Alfred, it’s important to stay informed about the recovery support available to you. Whether through Centrelink payments, local grants or assistance from your bank, there is help to support your recovery. Be sure to apply for the financial aid that’s available and reach out if you need assistance.
